Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center

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U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to hold small business exchange and matchmaking event June 5th

May 21, 2019 By Andrew Smith

The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”) is holding a Small Business Exchange and Matchmaking Event June 5th in Atlanta, Georgia.  The event is FREE and small businesses will have the chance to learn about contracting opportunities with the NRC and other U.S. Government Agencies.  The event will be attended by the NRC, other local government agencies, prime contractors and resource partners. 

What to Expect:  A day packed with informational sessions, B2G matchmaking, and partner exhibitors. 

Where:  Georgia State University Student Center, 33 Gilmer Street SE, Atlanta, Georgia 30303

When:  June 5th, 2019

Time:  8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Please make sure to register at:  https://nrcsboutreachatlanta2019.eventbrite.com/

Event flyer:  NRCSBOutreach Registration Flyer – Final 4.9

Filed Under: GTPAC News Tagged With: acquisition training, B2G, industry day, match-making, matchmaking, outreach

Nuclear Regulatory Commission holding small business event in Atlanta on June 5th

April 16, 2019 By Andrew Smith

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is holding a Small Business Exchange and Matchmaking Event on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Atlanta.   In addition to the NRC, other government agencies and prime contractors will be in attendance.

The event is being held at Georgia State University, 33 Gilmer Street S.E., Atlanta, from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm.

See the event flyer here: NRC Event Flyer

To register to attend this event, free of charge, visit: https://nrcsboutreachatlanta2019.eventbrite.com

Filed Under: GTPAC News Tagged With: contracting opportunities, matchmaking, NRC, small business

Dept. of Health & Human Services holding small business outreach event in Nashville on Feb. 11

January 14, 2019 By Andrew Smith

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are hosting a Small Business Outreach Event in Nashville, Tennessee on Monday, February 11, 2019. 

The purpose of the event is to provide an opportunity for small businesses to build relationships, interact, learn how to engage, and network with the Department’s procurement officials, other federal agencies, and HHS’s top 25 prime contractors. 

In addition, small businesses will have the opportunity to participate in one-on-one matchmaking with various HHS procurement and prime contractors.  Vendors will be vetted in advance to ensure a fit that will benefit both small businesses and the HHS program officials.

Who should attend?

Small businesses interested in learning about federal procurement opportunities and doing business with HHS.

Why should I attend?
  • Familiarize small businesses with the processes and procedures associated with federal government contracting.
  • Gain insight on identifying and pursuing contract opportunities with HHS.
  • An opportunity to network and learn how to do business with the Department, prime contractors and other Federal agencies.
  • Consider HHS spent over $24 billion dollars in contracts last year; $5 billion of them in prime contracts to small businesses.
TIME: 

On-site check-in will open at 7:00 am on Monday, Feb. 11, 2019.  The event will begin at 9:00 am and conclude at 3:00 pm.

LOCATION: 

Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center
2800 Opryland Drive
Nashville, Tennessee 37214

COST: 

Free – there is no cost to register*
*Additional costs related to lunch and co-located events are optional.

REGISTRATION:

For businesses, there is a limit of 2 representatives per company per event. Please note that the total registration is limited.

Pre-registration is required and limited. Registration will close when it is full. A registration link is provided at http://www.cvent.com/d/4bqvyj.

If you register and cannot attend, please cancel your registration as soon as possible so that someone on the wait list can participate.

QUESTIONS:

If you have questions regarding the event, please contact conference support at OS B2BMail@hhs.gov or (202) 690-7300.

OTHER INFORMATION:

You will also have the opportunity to elect to participate in matchmaking/counseling appointments with representatives from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other government agencies.

The event is also being held in conjunction/co-located with the 2019 National 8(a) Association Small Business Conference and American Express Contract Connections.

Filed Under: GTPAC News Tagged With: HHS, match-making, matchmaking, networking, outreach, SBA

Georgia Dept. of Economic Development hosts supplier event Apr. 19 & 20

March 31, 2017 By Andrew Smith

The Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Centers of Innovation is hosting an event giving you a chance to grow your business with other aerospace and defense suppliers.

The April 19th Networking Reception and the April 20th Conference are being held at the Middle Georgia State University Conference Center, 100 University Parkway, Macon, GA 31206.  The cost to attend is $95.

Attendees can expect to increase business contacts, information and resources you can use to help grow your business. This business development event is designed for aerospace and defense suppliers, providing an opportunity to:

  • Promote your company’s capabilities to gain new business,
  • Attend development sessions build skills and become more competitive, and
  • Network with others at the evening reception on April 19th.

Attendees can request to participate in 1:1 FAST PITCH sessions to promote your company’s capabilities to buyers including: Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and Meggitt Training Systems.

Interested companies need to complete their FAST PITCH profile by March 31st at the registration link.  All completed FAST PITCH profiles will be made available to the participating buyers, who will then select their matches for FAST PITCH sessions.

The Networking Reception (business casual) will be held on April 19th from 5:30 to 7:00 pm to give attendees more informal networking opportunities.

  • Be Prepared: Please come prepared with your “elevator” speech to share your company’s capabilities, what sets you apart from the competition, and be able to share what kind of connections would be most helpful to you.  Bring plenty of business cards and brochures to leave with your new connections.

Detailed Agenda and Registration are at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-supplier-opportunities-aerospace-resources-soar-conference-tickets-26689705628?aff=GTPAC

Filed Under: GTPAC News Tagged With: contracting opportunities, matchmaking, networking

GTPAC-hosted event once again a big hit with small businesses, government agencies, and prime contractors

January 25, 2017 By Andrew Smith

Attendees got a chance to learn about the benefits of membership from NCMA representatives.
Attendees got a chance to learn about the benefits of membership from NCMA representatives.

The Jan. 24, 2017 Industry Day — sponsored by the Atlanta chapter of the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) — was a big hit with the 325 people who attended.

The Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center (GTPAC) hosted the event at the Georgia Tech Research Institute’s Conference Center in Atlanta.  GTPAC is one of many programs that make up Georgia Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute.

Vendors and government buyers got a chance to mingle and network at the Jan. 24 GTPAC-hosted event.
Vendors and government buyers mingled and networked at the Jan. 24 GTPAC-hosted event.

It is estimated that 250 small businesses participated in the day’s activities, which featured presentations on various federal, state and local government agencies’ contract opportunities to hundreds as well as individual appointments between hundreds of businesses, 49 buyers and 12 resource partners.

The buyers participating in the event included representatives of government agencies as well as prime contractors looking for subcontractors.

Sharon Morrow of the U.S. Army's Small Business Office answered questions from the audience about upcoming contract opportunities.
Sharon Morrow of the U.S. Army’s Small Business Office answered questions from the audience about upcoming contract opportunities.

The keynote address of the day was delivered by Sharon Morrow, Mentor-Protégé Program Manager and Small Business Liaison for SBIR/STTR at the Army’s Office of Small Business Programs.

Other featured speakers included NCMA Atlanta Chapter president Christina Edwards; GTPAC program manager Joe Beaulieu; Georgia State University executive-in-residence Cassius Butts; and NCMA Atlanta small business chair and CDC small business manager Gwendolyn Miles.

GTPAC's program manager acted as MC for the morning's activities.
GTPAC’s program manager Joe Beaulieu acted as MC for the morning’s activities in the packed auditorium at the Georgia Tech Research Institute’s conference center.

Business tips were provided during the morning’s general session by Stacey Larson of CBS, Terri Denison of the SBA, Eugene Tinker of Certified Technical Experts, Prudence Howard of the VA, and Erv Koehler of GSA.

Copies of presentations which were made at the event can be downloaded here: Industry Day 01.24.2017

Vendors learned about contracting with the Atlanta Housing Authority.
Vendors learned about contracting with the Atlanta Housing Authority.

Information about upcoming contracting opportunities was presented by Jeff Napier of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Angela Whitmore of the Atlanta Housing Authority, and Tony Ortiz of the FAA.

In a busy matchmaking room, vendors presented their capabilities to buyers from government and industry.
In a busy matchmaking room, vendors presented their capabilities to buyers representing both government and industry.

Three consecutive hours of “matchmaking”– appointments between buyers and sellers — were scheduled during the afternoon.

At the Dept. of Administrative Services' table, vendors learned about how to do business with the State of Georgia.
At the Dept. of Administrative Services’ table, vendors learned about how to do business with the State of Georgia.

Government representatives from the VA, GSA, Clayton County, HUD, FAA, the Georgia Department of Administrative Services, the Atlanta Housing Authority, and Georgia Tech’s MBDA Business Center staffed tables to meet with interested vendors.

Subcontracting opportunities were a hot topic at IBM's matchmaking table.
Supplier opportunities were a hot topic at IBM’s matchmaking table.

In addition, many corporate buyers participated, including representatives from Booz Allen Hamilton, CBS, DB Consulting, IBM, ICF International, Georgia Power, LMI, Leidos, Northrop Grumman, RTI International, and Wyle Services.

Participants got a chance to learn about the services offered by the MBDA Business Center at Georgia Tech.
Participants learned about the services offered by the MBDA Business Center at Georgia Tech.

Running concurrently with the matchmaking appointments was a presentation on how to do business in the government sector conducted by one of GTPAC’s counselors, Tom Larkin.  Dozens of people attended this workshop as a productive way to spend their time while waiting for their appointments.

Vendors received one-on-one help from GTPAC counselors like Steve Bettner (l) seen here.
Vendors received one-on-one help from GTPAC counselors like Steve Bettner seen here on the left.

Scores of the small businesses in attendance also took advantage of this occasion to receive contract-related counseling from the entire team of GTPAC counselors and staff who came in from all parts of the state to support the event.

Bridget Bennett and Donna Vandersall spoke to many attendees throughout the day about the services offered by GTPAC.
Bridget Bennett and Donna Vandersall spoke to many attendees throughout the day about the no-cost services offered by GTPAC.

GTPAC representatives provided help to businesses on such topics as registration in the System for Award Management, certifications, and creating effective capabilities statements.  GTPAC also helped out-of-state attendees connect with the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) in their locale.

Seen on the left, technology partner Matt Gonzalez of IVSN explained the registration process to a participant.
Technology partner Matt Gonzalez of IVSN (seated, left) explained the matchmaking process to a participant.

Attendees at the Industry Day used a special web site and a smartphone app to register for and check-in at the event — and keep track of their matchmaking appointments.  The website and the app were developed by IVSN Group LLC.   The leadership of NCMA’s Atlanta Chapter contracted with IVSN to manage registration and appointment-making for the complex Jan. 24th event.  The app – called PTACGo! – can be downloaded free from Google Play (for Android devices) or Apple’s App Store (for iPhones).  It allows users to see, and register for, small business events across the country on smart phones, tablets, laptops and PCs.

Members of the Rocky Top event management team took a quick break from a long day that began at 7am and concluded at 4pm.
Members of the Rocky Top event management team took a quick break from a long day that began at 7am and concluded at 4pm.

Adding support to the day, a four-person team from Rocky Top Event Management Services provided on-site management.  Rocky Top provides management services to the Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers.

Special thanks go out to CBS, Axiom Corporation, and Rumph and Associates for sponsoring the Industry Day’s breakfast refreshments.

Below are a few more photos from the active and successful day.

In both formal and informal settings, buyers and sellers had lots of opportunities to exchange ideas and information.
In both formal and informal settings, buyers and sellers had lots of opportunities to exchange ideas and information.
An attendees is seen here showing off a 3-D printing creating to interested buyers at CDC's matchmaking table.
An attendee is seen here showing off a 3-D printing creation to interested buyers at CDC’s matchmaking table.
Lockheed Martin representatives had a steady string of visitors during the matchmaking event.
LMI representatives had a steady string of visitors during the matchmaking event.
GSA's acting regional administrator Erv spoke about his agency's future buying needs.
GSA’s acting regional administrator Erv Koehler spoke about his agency’s future buying needs.
Georgia Power was one of many corporate entities who sent buyers to talk about contract opportunities.
Georgia Power was one of many corporate entities who sent buyers to talk about contract opportunities.
GTPAC clients had the opportunity to learn about subcontracting opportunities with Booz Allen Hamilton.
GTPAC clients had the opportunity to learn about subcontracting opportunities with Booz Allen Hamilton.
CDC's chief of contracting Jeff Napier explained his agency's mission and buying needs.
CDC’s chief of contracting Jeff Napier explained his agency’s mission and buying needs.
GTPAC staff Nancy Cleveland and Tom Larkin counseled numerous buinesses about government contracting topics throughout the day.
Nancy Cleveland and Tom Larkin were 2 of 9 members of the GTPAC team who counseled scores of business persons on government contracting topics throughout the day.

Filed Under: GTPAC News Tagged With: contracting opportunities, Georgia Tech, GTPAC, GTRI, industry day, matchmaking, NCMA, outreach, relationship building

Clayton County holding annual small business expo on Jan. 19th

December 16, 2016 By Andrew Smith

Clayton County governmentThe Clayton County Water Authority and Clayton County government are holding their 2nd annual Small Business Expo on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

The event is designed to provide networking opportunities for prime contractors and  local, minority and women owned small businesses.

Registration for this event is $25 ($20 early-bird registration by Nov. 30, 2016).  Register on-line at https://2017smallbizexpo.eventbrite.com

The event flyer may be downloaded here: clayton-county-jan-19-expo-flyer

Clayton County Water AuthorityThe Expo will be held at Clayton State University, Student Activity Center, 2008 Clayton State Blvd., Morrow, GA 30260.

Questions about this event may be directed via email to ccwa_slbe_program@ccwa.us or (770) 960-5880.

 

Filed Under: GTPAC News Tagged With: matchmaking, networking, small business, state & local government

Registration is now open for GTPAC-hosted, NCMA-sponsored Jan. 24 Industry Day

December 12, 2016 By Andrew Smith

The Atlanta chapter of the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) will sponsor an Industry Day on January 24, 2017.  Once again, the Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center (GTPAC) will host this day-long event at the Georgia Tech Research Institute’s Conference Center in Atlanta.

The day features information on upcoming government contracting opportunities, workshops, and matchmaking appointments between small businesses, agencies and prime contractors.

ncma-gtpac

Registration for the event is now open, and advance registration is required in order to attend.

To register, click here.

The Industry Day will be held from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Georgia Tech Research Institute’s conference center located at 250 14th St., NW, Atlanta, GA 30318.

Last year, the Industry Day drew nearly 300 people — representing both small and large businesses, government agencies, and experts in the field of government contracting.  More than 500 individual appointments were conducted between small businesses and buyers.  Details on last year’s event can be found by clicking here.

In order to prepare to attend this year’s event, GTPAC recommends that you read these three articles:

  • 14 Tips for attending a government expo or trade show – http://gtpac.org/2013/05/14/14-tips-for-attending-a-government-expo-or-trade-show
  • What’s an ‘elevator speech’ and why you need one – http://gtpac.org/2010/07/16/whats-an-elevator-pitch-and-why-you-need-one/
  • What’s a ‘capabilities statement’ and why should I have one? – http://gtpac.org/2010/05/26/what-is-a-capabilities-statement-and-why-should-i-have-one/

Filed Under: GTPAC News Tagged With: Georgia Tech, GTPAC, GTRI, industry day, matchmaking, NCMA, outreach, relationship building

Mark your calendar: GTPAC-hosted, NCMA-sponsored Industry Day is Jan. 24, 2017

October 25, 2016 By Andrew Smith

It’s never to early to plan ahead!

The Atlanta chapter of the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) will sponsor an Industry Day on January 24, 2017.  Once again, the Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center (GTPAC) will host this day-long event at the Georgia Tech Research Institute’s Conference Center in Atlanta.

Auditorium
A packed auditorium of business people at last year’s event heard briefings by government officials on upcoming contracting opportunities as well as advice offered by successful entrepreneurs on strategies for pursuing government contracts.  

Last year, the Industry Day drew nearly 300 people — representing both small and large businesses, government agencies, and experts in the field of government contracting.  More than 500 individual appointments were conducted between small businesses and buyers.  Details of last year’s event can be found by clicking here.

The day features information on upcoming government contracting opportunities, workshops, and matchmaking appointments between small businesses, agencies and prime contractors.

Registration for the 2017 event is not yet open.  Watch for an announcement about registration details to be published here in late November or early December 2016.  And circle the date — Jan. 24, 2017 — on your calendar now!

Filed Under: GTPAC News Tagged With: Georgia Tech, industry day, matchmaking, NCMA, outreach, relationship building

Missile Defense Agency holding small business event in Huntsville on June 8 & 9

April 28, 2016 By Andrew Smith

The 2016 Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Small Business Programs Conference will be held in Huntsville, Alabama on June 8-9, 2016.

The tentative program includes briefings from the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), Office of Small Business Programs, the Directors of MDA Acquisitions, MDA Contracts and Program Office officials on relative upcoming MDA procurements.  Also, the MDA Small Business Advocacy Council (SBAC), along with applicable MDA program office representatives, will be in attendance to discuss small business opportunities, one-on-one, with individual company representatives.

The MDA’s SBAC will host a panel discussion at this year’s conference. If you have a question(s) you would like to be considered for this portion of the conference please submit your recommended question(s) via email to MDASBAC@mda.mil

Registration is at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ndia-tvc-2016-missile-defense-agency-small-business-programs-conference-registration-24049868805

The draft Agenda follows.

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

0700 – 1900 Conference / Matchmaking Registration

0700 – 0800 Continental Breakfast

0700 – 1845 Exhibit Hall Open

0800 – 0810 Commencement of Ceremony

0810 – 0820 Introduction of the Mayors

0820 – 0920 Introduction of Keynote Speaker

0920 – 0930 NDIA-TVC Remarks and Sponsorship Acknowledgement

0930 – 1030 MDA Acquisitions – On the Forefront

Welcome and Administrative Remarks

Presentation of Colors

National Anthem

Missile Tones (Invited)

Mr. Lee Rosenberg, Director, Office of Small Business Programs. Missile Defense Agency

Welcome

Mayor Tommy Battle, City of Huntsville (Invited)

Mayor Troy Trulock, City of Madison (Invited)

Mr. Lee Rosenberg, Director, Office of Small Business Programs, Missile Defense Agency

Keynote Speaker: MDA Overview

Mr. John James (Invited), Executive Director, Missile Defense Agency

Ms. Patty Popour, President, NDIA-TVC, GMD Next Follow-on

Mr. Frank Barrow (Confirmed), Chief, GMD Future Acquisition/Policy Division, Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GM), Missile Defense Agency Advanced Research Center (ARC) 17

Ms. Sherry Trowbridge (Confirmed) Contracting Officer, Director for Test (DT), Missile Defense Agency

1030 – 1050 Networking Break

1050 – 1200 Research & Development Enterprise Collaboration Services (RECS)

Mr. Kurt Knapp (Confirmed), COTR, MICS, Missile Defense Agency, Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)

Dr. Doug Deason (Confirmed), Director, Advanced Research, Missile Defense Agency

1200 – 1315 Invocation

1315 – 1335 Small Business Resources

TBD

Introduction of Lunch Speaker, Mr. Lee Rosenberg, Director, Office of Small Business Programs, Missile Defense Agency

Lunch Speaker

Dr. James Galvin (Confirmed). Deputy Director for Portfolio Management, DoD Office of Small Business Programs

Joanne Randolph (Confirmed), President/CEO, Women’s Business Center of North Alabama (WBCNA)

Mary Jane Fleming (Confirmed), Procurement Counselor, Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)

Mr. Doug Gerard (Invited), Procurement Center Representative, SBA

1335 – 1435 Small Business Administration (SBA) Updates

1435 – 1450 Networking Break

1450 – 1520 Mentor Protégé Updates

Ms. Ruth Dailey, Mentor Protégé Manager, Missile Defense Agency, Mentors/Protégés (TBD)

Introduction/ Panel Discussion

1520 – 1645 Missile Defense Agency Small Business Advocacy Council

1645 – 1845 Networking Reception

Thursday, June 9, 2016

0700 – 1900 Conference / Matchmaking Registration

0700 – 0800 Continental Breakfast

0700 – 1700 Exhibit Hall Open

0800 – 0815 Pledge of Allegiance and Administrative Remarks

0815 – 0915 The MDA Acquisition Town Hall Forum

0915 – 1015 Cybersecurity Awareness

Ms. Laura Anderson, Outreach Program Manager, OSBP Missile Defense Agency

Welcome & Introduction of Town Hall Forum, Mr. Lee Rosenberg, Director, OSBP Missile Defense Agency

Ms. Laura DeSimone (Invited), Director for Acquisition, Missile Defense Agency

Ms. Lynne Washburn (Invited), Director of Contracts, Missile Defense Agency

Mr. Lee Rosenberg, Director, Office of Small Business Programs, Missile Defense Agency

Mr. Kyle Hoover (Invited), BMDS Chief System Security Engineer (SSE), EIR, Missile Defense Agency

1015 – 1025 Networking Break

1025 – 1125 Proposal Preparation Seminar

Ms. Theresa Hainsworth (Invited), Director of Contract Pricing, Missile Defense Agency

Ms. Megan Dake (Invited), Supervisory Contract Specialist, Missile Defense Agency

Ms. Jennifer Woehler (Invited), Attorney Acquisition, Missile Defense Agency

1125 – 1230 Invocation

TBD

Introduction of Lunch Speaker, Mr. Lee Rosenberg,  Director, Office of Small Business Programs, Missile Defense Agency

1230 – 1700 Matchmaking

Lunch Speaker

Mr. Seán F. Crean (Confirmed), Director, U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Government Contracting

One-On-One Matchmaking (15 Minute Sessions/Pre-Registration Required)

(Small businesses should register in advance for matchmaking sessions to meet with Prime Contractors and Government Representatives.)

Note: Exhibitors will be available throughout the entire Matchmaking period.

 

Filed Under: GTPAC News Tagged With: contracting opportunities, DoD, industry day, matchmaking, MDA, Missile Defense Agency, small business, subcontracting

GTPAC-hosted event supports small businesses, government agencies, and prime contractors

February 9, 2016 By Andrew Smith

The Atlanta chapter of the National Contract Management Association sponsored the Jan. 28th event, including sponsorship of the technology used to manage it.
The National Contract Management Association’s Atlanta Chapter sponsored the Industry Day, including underwriting the cost of the technology used to manage the event.

Nearly 300 people – representing 145 small businesses – got face-to-face with the buyers of 59 government agencies and prime contractors at an event hosted by the Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center (GTPAC).

The Small Business Industry Day was sponsored by the Atlanta chapter of the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) on Jan. 28, 2016 at the Georgia Tech Research Institute’s conference center in Atlanta.

Mark Teskey, small business director for the U.S. Air Force is seen here at the registration desk.
Mark Teskey, small business director for the U.S. Air Force is seen here at the registration desk.

The day-long event featured briefings by government officials on upcoming contracting opportunities as well as advice offered by successful entrepreneurs on strategies for pursuing government contracts.  The highlight of the day was the matchmaking portion of the program where small business were matched with buyers from local, state and federal agencies, along with large prime contractors.  In all, 589 individual appointments were conducted between small businesses and buyers.

The Contracting Education Academy at Georgia Tech conducted a 3-hour briefing for contractors on the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).
The Contracting Education Academy at Georgia Tech conducted a 3-hour briefing for contractors on the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).

Running concurrently with the matchmaking sessions was a presentation on “What Every Contractor Needs to Know about the Federal Acquisition Regulation,” conducted by one of Georgia Tech’s professional education units, The Contracting Education Academy.  Scores of people attended this workshop as a productive way to spend their time between appointments.

The keynote speaker of the day was Kenyata Wesley, deputy director of the Defense Department’s small business office.  Other featured speakers were Denean Machis, NCMA’s professional development officer; Joe Beaulieu, GTPAC’s program manager; Gwendolyn Miles, small business officer for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Prudence Howard, regional contracting director for the Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA); Mark Teskey, small business director for the U.S. Air Force; Jeff Napier, director of acquisition services for the CDC; and Tony Ortiz, small business representative for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Tony Ortiz with the Federal Aviation Administration’s small business office explained how the FAA does business.
Tony Ortiz with the Federal Aviation Administration’s small business office explained how the FAA does business.

Offering advice and insights into the government marketplace were small business representatives Gerald Boyd, CEO, DB Consulting and Kevin Grimes, CEO, CFO Leasing, Inc.   Wrapping up the morning’s presentations, NCMA chapter president Carlos Smiley recognized several individuals and organizations for their support of Small Business Month activities.

Copies of presentations made at the event can be downloaded here:  Industry Day Presentations 01.28.2016

Auditorium
Nearly 300 business people heard briefings by government officials on upcoming contracting opportunities as well as advice offered by successful entrepreneurs on strategies for pursuing government contracts.

Attendees at the Industry Day used a special web site and a smartphone app to register for and check-in at the event, and make their matchmaking appointments.  The website (http://www.ivsnevents.org) and the app were developed by IVSN Group LLC.   The leadership of NCMA’s Atlanta Chapter contracted with IVSN to manage registration and appointment-making for the large Jan. 28 event.  The app – called PTACGo! – is downloaded free from Google Play (for Android devices) or Apple’s App Store (for iPhones).  It allowed users to register in advance for the event and make appointments on smart phones, tablets, laptops and PCs.  “Big data” expert and GTPAC client Riverstone Solutions, Inc. worked with IVSN on data storage and analytics.  Rocky Top Event Management Services provided on-site management for the day.

On-site check-in was quick and easy. At kiosks that were set-up at the entrance, registrants simply typed the first few letters of their last name. This caused their name tag to be printed. Event organizers pulled the self-adhesive tags from printers and helped attendees put them on.
On-site check-in was quick and easy. At kiosks that were set-up at the entrance (photo at left), registrants simply typed the first few letters of their last name. This caused their name tag to be printed (center photo). Event organizers then pulled the self-adhesive tags from printers and helped attendees put them on (photo at right).

In addition, helpful messages were “pushed” through the app to attendees throughout the day (e.g., matchmaking is about to begin, workshop scheduling, handout availability, and reminders to complete the post-event survey).  Any attendees who did not download the app in advance used a QR code on display in multiple locations at the event to allow them to download the app on-site.

On the day of the event, attendees simply typed-in the first few letters of their last name at kiosks set up at the entrance.  Once matching their registrations, bar-coded name tags automatically were printed.  The bar-coding allowed for tracking of appointments fulfilled and workshop sessions attended.

Here’s a summary of what was accomplished:

  • All pre-registrants were given instruction on how to come prepared with an elevator speech and a written capabilities statement. (These resources are still available on the app, and the app is still available for download.)
  • All attendees benefited from individual matchmaking appointments with buyers from six federal agencies: CDC, VA, Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), General Services Administration (GSA), and the Small Business Administration (SBA).
  • State and local government agencies also participating in small business matchmaking were: Georgia Dept. of Administrative Services (DOAS), City of Atlanta, Atlanta Housing Authority, Clayton County, Clayton County Water Authority, and DeKalb County.
  • Federal prime contractors participating in matchmaking sessions were: Amec Foster Wheeler, Booz Allen Hamilton, Georgia Industries for the Blind, Georgia Power, ICF International, IBM, JBS International, LMI, Lockheed Martin, Northrup Grumman, RTI International, and Source America.
  • In all, there were 20 federal prime contractors in attendance who used the networking time between sessions to identify small businesses who might be used to fulfill their contractual small business subcontracting goals.
  • The app used for many aspects of the Industry Day can be downloaded for free from Google Play (Android), Apple’s App Store (iPhone) or by scanning the QR code.
    The app used for many aspects of the Industry Day can be downloaded for free from Google Play (Android), Apple’s App Store (iPhone) or by scanning the QR code. (Click image to enlarge.)

    Scores of the small businesses in attendance also took advantage of this occasion to receive contract-related counseling from the team of six GTPAC counselors who were on hand. GTPAC representatives provided help to businesses on such topics as registration in the System for Award Management and creating capabilities statements.  GTPAC also helped out-of-state attendees connect with the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) in their locale.

  • Attendees learned that the app – PTACGo! – that they installed on their phones, tablets and laptops can be used in the future to alert them to similar events coming up across the country. Examples include next month’s Alliance Northwest small business event hosted by the PTAC in Washington State and the National MBE Manufacturers Summit hosted by Georgia Tech’s MBDA Center.
Industry and government representatives were able to exchange credentials and opportunities with one another during networking breaks and over lunch.
Industry and government representatives were able to exchange credentials and opportunities with one another during networking breaks and over lunch.

The vast majority of attendees (88%) at the Jan. 28 event represented Georgia businesses, and business persons from Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, North and South Carolina, Maryland, Virginia and New York made up the balance of the attendance.  According to survey results, 62% said it was the first time they had ever attended an event like this, and 93% of attendees asked to be advised of upcoming events.  Satisfaction with the Industry Day was very high: 97.5% of attendees said the overall event met or exceeded their expectations; 100% said the registration process worked well; 97% found the check-in process easy; 82% liked the app; and 95% found the workshops and the matchmaking sessions meaningful.

589 individual appointments were arranged between small businesses and buyers from government agencies and their prime contractors.
589 individual appointments were arranged between small businesses and buyers from government agencies and their prime contractors.

Filed Under: GTPAC News Tagged With: Georgia Tech, government contract training, GTPAC, industry day, matchmaking, NCMA, small business, small business goals, subcontracting goals

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